IKCC supports member relations, business services, events, institutional communication, and engagement with the Italian chamber system, local institutions and the business community.
About Us
Our journey
2000
Founded as the Italian East Africa Business Association — a platform for dialogue,
networking, and cooperation between Italian enterprises and East African stakeholders.
2024–2025
Restructuring & strategic repositioning — focus sharpened on Italy–Kenya bilateral
relations. Adopted the current identity as the Italian-Kenyan Chamber of Commerce,
a bilateral business association incorporated in Kenya.
March 2025
First Board of Directors meeting held in Nairobi — governance, statutes, and
work programme established.
June 2026
Official presentation in Nairobi (by the Italian Embassy) and in Genoa, Italy,
during the 35th World Congress of Italian Chambers of Commerce Abroad.
Our mission
To be the reference platform for Italian companies entering the Kenyan and East African market, and for Kenyan companies seeking partners, technology, and opportunities in Italy.
Read our full story
The Italian-Kenyan Chamber of Commerce (IKCC) traces its origins to the organisation established in 2000 under the name Italian East Africa Business Association, created to support economic and commercial relations between Italy and the East African region. Over the years, the organisation has served as a platform for dialogue, business networking, and cooperation between Italian enterprises and economic stakeholders operating in East Africa.
Between 2024 and 2025, the organisation undertook a process of restructuring and strategic repositioning, aimed at strengthening its institutional role and focusing its activities on bilateral relations between Italy and Kenya. As part of this evolution, the organisation adopted its current identity as the Italian-Kenyan Chamber of Commerce, a bilateral business association incorporated in Kenya, working in close coordination with the Italian Embassy in Nairobi and to the standards of Assocamerestero, the association of Italian Chambers of Commerce Abroad.
The renewed Chamber held its first Board of Directors meeting in Nairobi in March 2025, establishing its governance, statutes, and work programme. In June 2026 the Chamber was officially presented in Nairobi by the Italian Embassy and in Genoa, Italy, during the 35th World Congress of the Italian Chambers of Commerce Abroad.
The Chamber’s work is closely aligned with the strengthening of Italy–Kenya relations under the Mattei Plan for Africa, with strategic focus areas including energy, agri-food, logistics and infrastructure, manufacturing, tourism, innovation, training, and services. Flagship initiatives supported by the Chamber include the Kenya Aflatoxin Free Initiative (KAFI), the Malindi Airport development proposal, and the Malindi Marathon environmental awareness event.
Meet Our Board
Guided by a distinguished group of professionals dedicated to fostering economic ties.
H.E. Vincenzo Del Monaco
Horonary President, Ambassador of Italy to Kenya and Seychelles
Professional experience:
2022-2025 Second Diplomatic Advisor to the Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy (relations with the EU, Africa, UN, G7 and G20)
2020-2022: Ambassador – Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania
2018-2020: Ambassador of Italy to Armenia
2013-2018: Ambassador of Italy to Montenegro
2009-2013: Presidency of the Republic, Counsellor in the Office of the Diplomatic Advisor to the then President of the Italian Republic Giorgio Napolitano
2005-2009: Counsellor at the Permanent Representation of Italy to the EU (Transatlantic Relations, relations with the European Parliament, and Trade Policy Coordinator)
2001-2005: First Secretary at the Embassy of Italy to the People’s Republic of China
2000-2001: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Directorate General for European Integration, EU External Relations Unit
1998-2000 : Ecole Nationale d’Administration – Paris (Promotion Averroès)
1997: Diplomatic Institute, following entered the diplomatic career
Education:
University of Rome “La Sapienza”: Degree in EU Law (cum laude) (1991)
College of Europe in Bruges – LLM (1993-1994)
The Hague International Law Academy (1996)Ecole Nationale d’Administration (ENA) – France (1998-2000)
Awards:
Medal of the Order of Merit of Montenegro, 2018
Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, 2013
Knight of the French Legion of Honour, 2013
Other:
Honorary President of the Automobile Club of Kenya, 2026
Second Lieutenant in the Carabinieri Corps, 1992-1993
Author of publications
Lecturer on diplomacy (LUISS University of Rome), EU processes (Italian National Public Administration School – SNA), and Global Economic Trends (UNINT University of Rome)
Married, three children.
Fabrizio Cardillo is an Italian entrepreneur and institutional relations professional with nearly four decades of experience across West and East Africa. Active since 1988 in Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Niger, Kenya, and Tanzania, he has built longstanding relationships with governments, business leaders, and international companies.
His work spans agriculture and food systems; mineral and forestry resources; energy, including selected oil and gas initiatives; and infrastructure, construction, hospitality, and tourism. This breadth of experience has given him a practical understanding of African economies, from production and resource development to international trade, government contracts and the policy environments shaping investment.
In 2000, he established a private chamber of commerce and business association initiative in Lagos. As President of IDC, International Development Centre, he promoted economic cooperation between Europe and Africa, including the organisation of Kenya Week at Expo Milano 2015. He is also a co-founder of different African companies and an Italian agritech company focused on food safety and grain quality assessment.
More than fifteen years of business engagement with China have complemented his African and European experience. This perspective helps him align different commercial approaches, industrial capabilities and local priorities within the wider geopolitical context of African development.
As President of the Italian–Kenyan Chamber of Commerce, Cardillo brings this experience and international network to member companies, supporting market access, investment, industrial partnerships, and institutional dialogue between Italy and Kenya.
Dr. Luca Alinovi is the Co-founder of Aflabox srl, Aflazero Ltd, and Farmshine ltd, pioneering innovation in food safety and agricultural value chains. He co-founded and he is the CEO of Aflabox in 2024, introducing advanced AI and UV sensor technology for real-time aflatoxin detection and control. Aflazero focuses on eliminating aflatoxins using ozone treatment, with two successful plants in Kenya. Farmshine connects small-scale farmers with large buyers, creating transparent, efficient value chains.
With over 25 years of experience in the development, humanitarian, and private sectors, Luca previously served as Executive Director of the Global Resilience Partnership, managing a $160 million fund for innovative solutions in vulnerable communities.
He has held senior roles at the UN-FAO, leading programs on food security and agricultural policy. An accomplished academic, he has published numerous papers on food security and complex emergencies. Luca holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics and is a sought-after public speaker, committed to transforming global food systems.
Our Governance & Structure
A robust and transparent governance framework ensures accountability and effectiveness.
General Assembly
The supreme governing body
Council / Executive Committee
Oversees strategic direction & operations
External Audit / Review
Ensures financial transparency & compliance
Secretariat / Staff
Manages day-to-day operations & services
